Perfume Chemistry: How to Make a Molecule with Sean Raspet (Online)

In this lecture, we explore the molecular foundations of scent: how the shape and structure of a molecule directly influence the way it smells.

Sean Raspet, artist and molecular researcher, will unpack how olfactory receptors work together to create the immense range of smells humans can perceive, and how chemists use this knowledge to design new fragrance materials. We’ll look closely at how changes in molecular geometry can shift scent profile, and examine several major families of molecules used in flavor and fragrance.

This class is ideal for perfume enthusiasts curious about the science behind raw materials, chemistry lovers interested in sensory applications, and perfumers seeking a deeper understanding of how molecular design shapes olfactory experience.

ABOUT THE CLASS

This 2-hour online class blends chemistry, scent, and contemporary material research.

Sean will introduce the fundamentals of molecular structure as it relates to odor, share examples from his fragrance molecule development work, and walk through notable classes of aroma molecules—including what they smell like, how they’re built, and why they behave the way they do.

We’ll consider questions such as:

• How does a molecule’s structure impact its scent?
• How do olfactory receptors work together to produce all the possible scents we can smell?
• What are some interesting types of molecules and general groupings for flavor and fragrance?
• What kinds of new molecules are artists and chemists designing today?
  

A Q&A session will follow the main presentation.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR, SEAN RASPET

Sean Raspet is an artist who works with molecular structure, designing new fragrance and flavor molecules. He is also the co-founder of Patina, along with Laura Sisson, which develops new captive fragrance ingredients and 1:1 simulations of natural materials.

ATTENDANCE AND CANCELLATION POLICY

This is an online class that will take place on Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent by email approximately 24 hours before the class, and reminder emails are sent automatically through the Eventbrite system. Lest these emails end up in your spam folder, please be sure to add hello@artandolfaction.com and noreply@event.eventbrite.com to your address book.

+ Event times are listed in Pacific Time (PDT); please use a time converter for your local start time.

+ Please download and install Zoom before the class starts, to avoid last minute technical issues.

+ Learn more about how we teach and our community guidelines here: https://artandolfaction.com/newcomers/.

+ We will upload the class recording after session, and share it for 14 days with attendees. This video is view-only, and expires at the end of the 14 day window.

+ Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or credit for this class. Note also that event tickets are non-transferable.